The flow of total (PT) and lipid (PPL) phosphorus was measured in adult sheep fed meadow hay and fitted with Ivan-Johnston reentrant cannulas in the duodenum (just posterior to the entry of the common ... [more ▼]

The flow of total (PT) and lipid (PPL) phosphorus was measured in adult sheep fed meadow hay and fitted with Ivan-Johnston reentrant cannulas in the duodenum (just posterior to the entry of the common bile and pancreatic duct) and in the terminal ileum. The pattern of plasma, duodenal and ileal PT and P PL specific radioactivity was also studied. The considerable total and lipid P secretion observed between the mouth and the duodenal cannula could be accounted for by salivary and biliary secretions, respectively. This secretion was followed by high absorption in the small intestine and less in the large intestine. A comparison of P specific radioactivities showed that the selective P PL reabsorption occurring in the small intestine could be due to the existence of an entero-hepatic cycle of biliary phospholipids. [less ▲]

Two experiments were carried out on sheep to measure the effects of some factors of the mobile nylon bag (MNB) technique on the intestinal digestibility (DgI) of rumen undegraded N of meat and bone meal ... [more ▼]

Two experiments were carried out on sheep to measure the effects of some factors of the mobile nylon bag (MNB) technique on the intestinal digestibility (DgI) of rumen undegraded N of meat and bone meal (MBM), soybean meal (SBM) and wheat bran (WB). The pore size of the nylon cloth (IO and 42.5 pm) influenced (P < 0.05) DgI of SBM and MBM N irrespective of the site of recovery of the bags (ileum and faeces) and the incubation time of concentrate feeds in the rumen (0, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 h). The faecal recovery of the bags increased (P < 0.05) DgI of SBM N in comparison with ileal recovery. The opposite was found with WB incubated 4, 8, 16 and 24 h in the rumen. DgI of MBM N was not influenced by site of bag recovery (P > 0.05). Increasing incubation times in the rumen decreased (P < 0.05) DgI of undegraded feed N. The total tract digestibility (rumen plus intestines) was independent of incubation time in the rumen for MBM and SBM, excepted for SBM incubated 4 or 8 h in the rumen when bags were collected in the ileum. Previous ruminal incubation of WB for 4, 8, 16 and 24 h increased (P < 0.05) the amount of N digested in the total tract in comparison with unincubated WB and WB incubated for only 2 h. In the second experiment, residues obtained from the incubation of the feeds in the rumen (0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 and 48 h) were mixed in different proportions in order to obtain the true fraction of the undegraded feed in the rumen. This method was based on the DM degradability of the concentrate feeds and the outflow rate constant of feeds from the rumen, supposed equal to 6%h-‘. Bags containing feeds mixed according to this method were incubated in a solution of pepsin-HCl for 0, 1, 2 and 3 h to simulate abomasal digestion and the DgI of N was measured afterwards with the MNB technique. Increasing action of pepsin led to higher digestibilities of N at this stage (P < 0.05) but decreased the digestibility of N in the intestines excepted for MBM incubated in pepsin-HCl for 3 h and in any case for SBM. However, the omission of the incubation in pepsin had little influence on the amount of N postruminally digested. [less ▲]

Spermine ingestion induces the precocious maturation of the small intestine in suckling rats. Previous observations suggest that spermine-induced intestinal maturation is a two-step phenomenon. The first ... [more ▼]

Spermine ingestion induces the precocious maturation of the small intestine in suckling rats. Previous observations suggest that spermine-induced intestinal maturation is a two-step phenomenon. The first step is the elimination of immature enterocytes (4-10 h post spermine ingestion) and the second step is the replacement of previous immature cells by adult-type enterocytes (2-3 days post initial spermine administration). The spermine-induced maturation is reversible when spermine administration is stopped. This work was undertaken in order to check whether the extension of polyamine administration (for 3-7 days) after the appearance of spermine-induced maturation can retain the mature state of the small intestine. Our results indicate that extension of spermine administration does not prevent some parameters (sucrase and maltase specific activities) reverting to a typical 'immature' value while others remain at a typical 'mature' level (mucosal weight and lactase specific activity). Our results show that there are at least two different mechanisms in required for the control of spermine-induced maturation of the small intestine. [less ▲]

This study investigated the significance of the genetic differences between assemblages A, B and E on intestinal growth and virulence. Intestinal growth and virulence were studied in 2 laboratory (AI: WB ... [more ▼]

This study investigated the significance of the genetic differences between assemblages A, B and E on intestinal growth and virulence. Intestinal growth and virulence were studied in 2 laboratory (AI: WB and B: GS/M-83-H7) and 6 field isolates of assemblage subtype AI, AII, B and EIII. Intestinal trophozoite burdens, body weight and faecal consistency were monitored until day 29 post-infection (p.i.), morphological (mucosal architecture and inflammation) and functional (disaccharidase and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity) damage to the small intestine were evaluated on days 7 and 18 p.i. The assemblage subtypes AI and B were more infectious and produced higher trophozoite loads for a longer period compared to the subtypes AII and EIII. The body weight of infected gerbils was significantly reduced compared to uninfected controls, but did not differ between the assemblage subtypes. Consistent softening of the faeces was only observed with assemblage B. Assemblage B next to assemblage subtype AI elicited relatively higher pathogenicity, characterized by more extensive damage to mucosal architecture, decreased brush-border enzyme function and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Assemblage EIII and AII isolates showed relatively low virulence. The Giardia assemblage subtypes exhibit different levels of growth and virulence in the gerbil model. [less ▲]

We summarize the anatomical and physiological basis and the ways of measuring the intestinal permeability. We review the studies of the intestinal permeability in Crohn's disease. We analyse the ... [more ▼]

We summarize the anatomical and physiological basis and the ways of measuring the intestinal permeability. We review the studies of the intestinal permeability in Crohn's disease. We analyse the involvement of an abnormal intestinal permeability in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease, as a primary or secondary defect. We discuss the potential usefulness of the measure of intestinal permeability in Crohn's disease activity assessment, relapse prediction and efficacy of treatment. [less ▲]

Intestinal volvulus was recognized as the cause of death in 18 cetaceans, including 8 species of toothed whales (suborder Odontoceti). Cases originated from 11 institutions from around the world and ... [more ▼]

Intestinal volvulus was recognized as the cause of death in 18 cetaceans, including 8 species of toothed whales (suborder Odontoceti). Cases originated from 11 institutions from around the world and included both captive (n = 9) and free-ranging (n = 9) animals. When the clinical history was available (n = 9), animals consistently demonstrated acute dullness 1 to 5 days prior to death. In 3 of these animals (33%), there was a history of chronic gastrointestinal illness. The pathological findings were similar to those described in other animal species and humans, and consisted of intestinal volvulus and a well-demarcated segment of distended, congested, and edematous intestine with gas and bloody fluid contents. Associated lesions included congested and edematous mesentery and mesenteric lymph nodes, and often serofibrinous or hemorrhagic abdominal effusion. The volvulus involved the cranial part of the intestines in 85% (11 of 13). Potential predisposing causes were recognized in most cases (13 of 18, 72%) but were variable. Further studies investigating predisposing factors are necessary to help prevent occurrence and enhance early clinical diagnosis and management of the condition. [less ▲]

Conventional endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ (cAIS) is typically strongly and diffusely positive for p16 with a high Ki67 index consistent with its frequent association with high-risk human ... [more ▼]

Conventional endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ (cAIS) is typically strongly and diffusely positive for p16 with a high Ki67 index consistent with its frequent association with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The intestinal variant (iAIS) is less common, and its relationship to HPV infection has not been thoroughly examined. This study compares the clinicopathologic features, frequency of HPV infection, and expression of CDX2 and surrogate biomarkers of HPV infection (p16, Ki67) in cAIS with those of iAIS. A total of 86 cases with a diagnosis of AIS (49 iAIS, 37 cAIS) were identified from our multi-institutional files. Of these, 13 iAIS and 20 cAIS cases had slides and tissue available for histopathologic review, immunohistochemical analysis, and molecular tests. All 86 cases were used to evaluate clinical parameters; however, HPV DNA analysis and immunohistochemical analysis for p16, MIB-1, CDX2, and p53 were performed only on those cases with available slides or paraffin blocks. The average age at diagnosis was significantly higher in iAIS compared with that in cAIS (44.5 vs. 32.6 y) (P=0.0001). All 20 cAIS cases showed moderate to strong and diffuse p16 staining; however, only 9/13 iAIS cases showed this degree of p16 staining, whereas 4/13 (31%) iAIS cases showed weak and patchy distribution (P<0.02). Only 6/9 (67%) iAIS cases were positive for either HPV type 18 (5) or 33 (1), in contrast to 11/11 conventional cAIS (P=0.04). Similarly, 12/14 cAIS, but only 5/13 iAIS, cases showed a high Ki67 proliferative index. CDX2 was positive in all iAIS cases, whereas p53 was negative. Most iAIS cases are positive for high-risk HPV and show moderate to strong and diffuse p16 staining; however, a subset of iAIS shows variable staining with p16 and Ki67, is not associated with HPV, and occurs in a distinctly older age group suggesting an alternative pathogenesis. Awareness that iAIS can show variable staining for p16 and Ki67 is important when resolving problematic endocervical lesions, particularly in small biopsies with unusual p16 staining patterns. [less ▲]

The neurohormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is critical for all the aspects of reproductive life in vertebrates. GnRH is secreted by a small number of neurons dispersed within the preoptic ... [more ▼]

The neurohormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is critical for all the aspects of reproductive life in vertebrates. GnRH is secreted by a small number of neurons dispersed within the preoptic-hypothalamic region. These neurons are derived from the embryonic olfactory pit. They then migrate along olfactory, vomeronasal and terminal nerves to their final destination. Classical approaches to study the regulation of GnRH secretion during the reproductive cycle have focused on the various neuronal inputs on GnRH neurons and their regulation by ovarian steroids. However, it is well known that steroids will change the microenvironment of neuronal networks and can induce plasticity and functional changes. In this review, we will focus on the intimate relationship of developing and adult GnRH neurons with the polysialylated form of neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM), a major molecular actor in the morphogenesis and adult plasticity of the nervous system. We will first recapitulate the spatiotemporal relationship between PSA-NCAM and migrating GnRH neurons during embryogenesis of various vertebrate species and discuss its importance for GnRH neuron development as shown by various loss of function studies. In the adult, we will review the relationships between PSA-NCAM and GnRH neurons across various physiological states, and open the discussion to the use of new model systems that can help to unravel the function and mechanism of action of PSA-NCAM on GnRH neuronal network activity and GnRH release. [less ▲]

The objective of this special issue of Civilisations is to shed a new light on the multiple relations between religion and processes of democratization in Africa. In the Semi-Authoritarian regimes under ... [more ▼]

The objective of this special issue of Civilisations is to shed a new light on the multiple relations between religion and processes of democratization in Africa. In the Semi-Authoritarian regimes under analysis, the political role played by religious movements appears to be growing, but does not seem univocal. Whether they oppose the power, criticize or legitimize it, these religious movements provide a growing symbolical support to the local people and help them analyze and interpret the political and social worlds. Nevertheless, their growing diversity and gradual breaking into a mosaique makes it complicated to carry out a very precise analysis of their political tendencies and impact. Is the establishment of a possible connection between social position, production and reception of religious ideologies one useful methodological way to clarify the relations of intimacy and enmity between religion and policy? In order to provide a number of answers, the articles of this special issue depart from case studies that illustrate the general mechanisms that shape the relations between religion and policy. [less ▲]